This article appeared on June 310 2011 in the Alameda Journal. Connie Rux, editor.

“If you build it, they will come.” Well, what if they don’t? According to Pro Arts, “over 400 artists in 14 cities in the East Bay” registered to participate. More precisely, there were 401 names listed in their catalog, down about 12% from last year. Many of Alameda’s “usual suspects” were conspicuously absent this year, with 20% fewer exhibiting. And just over the Park Street Bridge, the usually bustling Jingletown was a veritable ghost town.

Fewer visitors leads to fewer exhibitors, which in turn means even fewer visitors the next year in a vicious cycle. Rain or shine, recession or economic boon, communities need to support the Arts. Or they just might stop building it.